Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”

What is your cross?  (Take a minute to think about this.).  Is it a spiritual cross, or a physical one, or perhaps a relationship?  Take up that cross and follow Jesus.  Where is He leading you?  What will it cost to follow Him?  First, I think of people like Joni Eareckson Tada, or those with diseases like M.S. or those fighting cancer.

Don’t miss the first part of this verse…must deny himself.  This can mean forgiving hurtful words spoken by a spouse or dear friend.  Actions that are misunderstood in the workplace, betrayal by a family member.  Denying yourself can mean being quick to be merciful to others when what you want to do is lash out and protect yourself.  Following Jesus is not always easy, but He never leaves us alone to carry our cross.  He is right there with us.